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Ishaan forms a special connection with Zeenat Aman
Ishaan Khatter is all set to work with veteran diva Zeenat Aman in the upcoming series “The Royals”. The actor revealed that they had the “loveliest time together” and that she quickly became one of his “favourite people in the world.” Talking about working with an icon like her, Ishaan told IANS: “So, as if she wasn't already, but from a distance she quickly became one of my favorite people in the world. and I think I'm very happy to report that we had the loveliest time together. But beyond that, she is a screen icon.” Ishaan, who was walking as a muse for designer Pawan Sachdeva at the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour in Guwahati, revealed that people will get to see a lot of Zeenat Aman in The Royals. “She's someone that people so desire to see because she brings a grace that only she can and I'm happy to say that you'll get a lot of Zeena Taman with a lot of fun in Royals.” In the series, Ishaan is all set to star alongside Bhumi Pednekar. Netflix recently unveiled the teaser for “The Royals,” which is slated to be a part of their 2025 release lineup. Going by the teaser of the series, Ishaan portrays Aviraaj Singh, the charismatic heir to the royal throne of Morpur. He crosses paths with Bhumi's character, Sophia Kanmani Shekhar, a driven and no-nonsense CEO. “The Royals” marks the first collaboration between Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar. Meanwhile, Ishaan recently featured in the music video titled ‘Pyaar Aata Hai’ with Tara Sutaria. The heartfelt song features vocals by Rito Riba and Shreya Ghoshal. Produced by Anshul Garg under Play DMF, the track was filmed against the stunning backdrop of Kashmir's picturesque landscapes. "Pyaar Aata Hai,” which marked Ishaan and Tara's first onscreen collaboration, was released on March 7. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 March,2025 11:32 AM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Sharvari gets candid about the highs and lows of her career
Actress Sharvari is just five-years-old in the acting business and is grateful for her journey which has been full of ups and downs. Sharvari made her acting debut with the series “The Forgotten Army - Azaadi Ke Liye” after which she was then seen in the dud “Bunty Aur Babli 2”. After a slow start, the actress rose to major stardom with her work in hits such as “Munjya”, “Maharaj” and “Vedaa”. Talking about it, Sharvari told IANS: “It has been a grateful journey. My journey has been full of ups and downs and I'm actually grateful for each day and each learning and teaching that came to me through this journey and I think that it has just started, you know? So, I'm waiting for it to go a long way.” Sharvari is all set to star in “Alpha” with actress Alia Bhatt. Directed by Shiv Rawail, “Alpha” will mark the seventh film in Yash Raj Films' expansive spy universe. This universe began with the “Tiger” franchise, starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, starting with “Ek Tha Tiger” and followed by “Tiger Zinda Hai.” The saga continued with "War," “Pathaan,” and “Tiger 3.” Upcoming films in the franchise include “War 2,” directed by Ayan Mukerji, “Pathaan 2,” and “Tiger vs. Pathaan. Talking about working with Alia, Sharvari, who was in the capital for the launch of Sheba’s new campaign, told IANS: “I think my most important takeaway of course from this film is to be able to learn from Alia. She's an incredible actor and an incredible human being.” “And it was like a master class actually to just be with her on set every single day. So, I think I will take everything that I have learnt from her and hopefully, you know, apply it in every coming project. So, I'm really grateful to have gotten this opportunity to work alongside Alia,” she wrote. It was on October 4, when the makers of the upcoming spy movie “Alpha” revealed that the film will hit the screens on Christmas, December 25. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 March,2025 11:30 AM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Eijaz Khan and Pooja Gor take on enemies in 'Adrishyam 2' trailer
In the trailer for “Adrishyam 2—The Invisible Heroes,” actor Eijaz Khan joined forces with undercover agent Pooja Gor as they face off against dangerous enemies. On Monday, the makers dropped the intriguing trailer on social media and captioned it, “The threat is bigger. The mission is deadlier. And the invisible heroes are ready. Watch Eijaz Khan & Pooja Gor in Adrishyam 2 - streaming from 4th April on Sony LIV#Adrishyam2 #Adrishyam2OnSonyLIV.” The thrilling trailer teases a high-stakes showdown, setting the stage for an intense battle as the duo uncovers secrets and fights to stay ahead of their adversaries. Eijaz, who will be seen reprising his role as Ravi Verma in the thriller, shared his excitement, saying, “Adrishyam 2 is bigger, bolder, and more intense. This season, Ravi isn’t fighting alone. He’s joined by an undercover agent, Durga, played by Pooja Gor, as she brings a fresh perspective and an unstoppable force to the battlefield. Together, we’re facing enemies more dangerous than ever. If you thought Season 1 was thrilling, get ready, this is just the beginning.” Sharing her excitement for the show, Pooja Gor, who is portraying the role of Durga, mentioned, “This role is unlike anything I’ve done before. My character is not just another officer, she’s a relentless force, ready to fight, chase, and sacrifice for the safety of her people. The challenges she faces are brutal, pushing her to the edge, but she never backs down. Adrishyam 2 is an adrenaline rush, and I can't wait for audiences to experience it!” "Adrishyam 2 – The Invisible Heroes" delves into the world of a secretive team of elite operatives working behind the scenes to neutralize threats before they can cause harm. This new season uncovers more complex conspiracies, dangerous betrayals, and a fierce battle to safeguard the nation. The show also stars Swaroopa Ghosh and Tarun Anand. Backed by Bombay Show Studios LLP, with Sachin Pandey and Aditya Pandey as producers, “Adrishyam 2” will premiere on Sony LIV from 4th April. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 March,2025 08:19 AM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Mimoh Chakraborty: Neeraj Pandey called us his ‘Khakee Avengers’
When making a show, content is king, but without a stellar cast to elevate the content on paper to the screen, everything would fall apart. Showrunner Neeraj Pandey’s Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, starring Jeet, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Saswata Chatterjee, and Parambrata Chattopadhyay, is the second instalment after Khakee: The Bihar Chapter (2022). The series revolves around an honest IPS officer, Arjun Maitra, cracking down on powerful gangsters and corrupt politicians in his mission to bring law and order to a region gripped by crime and chaos. Mimoh Chakraborty—son of veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty—who plays a cop on Jeet’s team, was thrilled when he was roped in for the show. Neeraj Pandey “I’ve always been a big fan of Neeraj Pandey sir’s work. After watching The Bihar Chapter, I knew I had to be a part of this show, no matter what,” shares Mimoh, who auditioned for the role after his friends introduced him to the casting team. “The main reason I wanted to do this project was because it’s an incredible production house, and an amazing show. And when it comes to thrillers and investigative stories, Neeraj sir is the best. My takeaway from him is the perception and attitude towards storytelling. He called us his ‘Khakee Avengers’. Viewers are hooked to the suspense part, and he knows exactly how to keep the flow of the story,” adds the actor. Sharing the screen with the stalwarts of Tollywood, one would assume Mimoh would feel lost in the mix. However, the actor says that the show is made in a way that every actor gets ample screen time and space to showcase their craft. “For me, it is one of the biggest opportunities as an actor, and I have totally cherished my part. Not for a single moment was I insecure. I had most of my scenes with Jeet, who is debuting on Netflix with this series. They all are dynamic, extraordinary talents. Sharing screen space with such talented people was a huge honour. Every day on set was a learning experience for me,” he adds.
25 March,2025 07:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Letty Mariam Abraham
Patrick Graham: ‘Pop culture wrongly suggests serial killers are evil geniuses’
He allegedly raped and strangled 16 women, was convicted on two counts of rape and murder, and is now being considered for a release after serving a 16-year prison sentence. Docubay’s documentary, The Dupatta Killer, chronicles the case of Goa’s notorious serial killer, Mahanand Naik, and his 16 victims. But director Patrick Graham—who made his writing and directorial debut with Ghoul (2018), followed by Leila (2019)—claims that his focus was on the victims, the survivor and the family left behind, not the perpetrator. Interestingly, numerous true crime stories have been written on the case, with Vijay Varma-starrer Dahaad (2023) also loosely based on it. In conversation with mid-day, Graham decodes why he doesn’t like to focus on the perpetrator when chronicling such crimes, and why he took the case. Edited excerpts from the interview. When did the idea of making a documentary on Mahanand Naik’s crimes strike?Docubay had been in contact with journalist Mukesh Kumar in Goa, who had done a lot of investigation on this case. He had also written a book on it. It was one of the worst serial-killer cases in India. When the platform approached me with the story, I read it to figure out what interested me about it, and whether I’d be the right [person] to do it. (From left) Mahanand Naik and journalist Mukesh Kumar What stoked your curiosity in this case?[I was keen] to gauge what makes a woman vulnerable to someone like Mahanand Naik. How does he prey on a particular subsection of the society? Another thing that I found interesting was a survivor, a young woman whom he abused over a period of years. She was one of the people who came forward and was instrumental in putting him behind bars. Although her rape was passed at trial court, it was quashed at High Court. To me, that was a tragic story because this woman, who did so much, hasn’t received justice. Did you ever feel your own sense of justice coming in the way?Sure. I’m not trained as a journalist; I’m a filmmaker and storyteller. That allows me to approach these things from my own perspective. So, I form opinions and want to express them. But at the same time, bearing in mind that there is always a discussion and debate to be had, none of what I think in regard to this case is shown in the documentary. I’d like to think of it more as a conversational starting point. Did you try meeting Mahanand Naik in prison?Yes, but he didn’t want to be interviewed as part of this documentary. We already had an interview with him that was conducted by our investigative journalist, Mukesh Kumar. Since there is talk about his impending release, do you think he has transformed?That’s the big question we’ll leave the audience with. It should be up to a panel of psychologists, police experts and forensic experts with training to decide that. It shouldn’t necessarily be up to the court of public opinion because people are emotional. Do I think that a man who kills so systematically can change? Personally, I’m not sure, but the hard evidence that we have is his personal outlook on these murders. He doesn’t admit to any of them. Some would say that he has paid his dues and is no longer a threat to society. That is one side of the argument. For instance, there is Father Fernandez, who is acting as Mahanand’s guarantor; he doesn’t believe that Mahanand could be capable of such crimes, and says that God forgives. But there’s also the other side—if he hasn’t admitted to his crimes, hasn’t apologised or shown repentance, then to me, that’s a significant point. Why didn’t you delve into Mahanand’s psyche in the docu? There’s a limit to what we can do in an hour-long documentary. Sometimes, too much attention is given to serial killers. Popular culture wrongly suggests that serial killers are evil geniuses. But I think they are just malfunctioning, broken human beings. I’m much more interested in the victims, in what makes them so vulnerable than just another rehashing of an insight into a serial killer. Personally, I don’t find serial killers interesting. If the focus is on the survivor and victims, why is it called The Dupatta Killer?He is the central driving force, the one inciting the incident. We didn’t have much to go on when it came to the analysis of his behaviour. There were no family members whom we could talk to. We could offer conjecture through the means of criminologists and psychologists, which we did. Mahanand becomes a stereotype at the end of the day. 16Women raped and strangled to death
25 March,2025 07:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Letty Mariam Abraham
Elnaaz falls victim to cybercrime; miscreant threatens to leak private pictures
Actor Elnaaz Norouzi, who rose to fame with the web series Sacred Games is the latest celebrity to fall victim to cybercrime. Elnaaz revealed how an email with her password as the subject line led to her finding private pictures of herself. The miscreant threatened her to reply if she didn’t want them to be released online. Elnaaz Norouzi threatened with private pictures In an interview with ETimes, Elnaaz recounted the incident which took place in January after she received an email. She shared, “I found my private pictures attached, along with a message that read, 'I have your pictures, if you don’t want them posted online, then reply to me as soon as possible. If not, the next email will be a link with the pictures online.'” Elnaaz contacted the Cybercrime Cell which revealed that the email was sent through a server based in Switzerland. The officials took swift action but couldn’t pinpoint an accused in the matter. The actor is worried that the miscreant might try to contact her again with a different account. Elnaaz seeking therapy to deal with the incident The incident has left Elnaaz shaken. She added, “Now, I’m scared to even open my emails or social media accounts. I’m terrified that the criminal might have posted my private photos online. I go to bed anxious and wake up in the same state. I’ve had to reach out to a therapist a few times to help me calm down. I feel like my privacy has been violated. It feels like someone is always watching me, and I am living in constant fear.” Elnaaz’s work front On the professional front, Elnaaz Norouzi was recently seen in the show Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond. The series, featuring Jimmy Shergill, Lara Dutta, Ashutosh Rana, and Prasanna, wove a gripping tale of politics, power, and ambition, offering a captivating look at the complex dynamics at play. The show delved into the aftermath of the Pulwama terrorist attack, highlighting how perception-building has become a critical factor in the modern era of war and conflict. Elnaaz is all set to make her mark in Hollywood with her next Hotel Tehran. She will be seen starring alongside Liam Neeson and Zachary Levi in the much-awaited project.
24 March,2025 11:09 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Adolescence co-creator Stephen Graham shocked by its popularity in India
Netflix's latest crime drama Adolescence is currently the talk of the town as it has impressed the Indian audience including celebs like Alia Bhatt, Anurag Kashyap, and Hansal Mehta to name a few. The drama depicts the disturbing consequences of online influence on teenagers. Now, actor and co-writer Stephen Graham has reacted to the show’s popularity in India. Stephen Graham on Indians loving Adolescence In an interview with Rolling Stone, Stephen shared, “I got a text from a mate of mine, telling me how big Adolescence is in India. And my first response was, ‘Hold on… did you say India?! Did I hear you correctly?’ Apparently, it’s really striking a nerve there.” He added, “The thing you have to understand when we set out to do this… it was very colloquial. But it’s like we dropped a stone into this pond, and the ripple effect it’s produced has been unbelievable.” Celebs praising Adolescence Anurag Kashyap wrote, “I am numb and envious and jealous that someone can go and make that. The performances from the Child actor Owen Cooper and Stephen Graham, who is not just playing the father but is also the co-creator of the show. The amount of hard work that has gone in the show. I can’t even imagine the rehearsals and prep they did, so they could shoot every episode in a single shot.” Alia Bhatt shared, "This show is truly perfection. From the writing to the staging to the EXCEPTIONAL cinematography I wonder what it felt like when after an hour of calling action to finally calling cut... how did the entire cast and crew feel???? The performances by each and every person that has walked into frame and out was ALIVE, real raw and so hot in the moment that the energy is very very palpable! & so moving. The magic of storytelling and an entire crew coming together to deliver, every department giving nothing but their heart and soul to every second on screen. I'm in awe!!!" About Adolescence The series tells the story of a 13-year-old boy who is arrested for the murder of a teenage girl at his school. As the plot unfolds, the show delves into the dark side of social media, focusing on how internet subcultures, particularly incel culture, can shape the behaviour of impressionable adolescents. The series has garnered critical acclaim and become a global hit, topping Netflix's charts
23 March,2025 12:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
6 years of Delhi Crime: Shefali Shah says, 'Couldn't be more grateful'
With her acting prowess in 'Delh Crime', Shefali Shah left people impressed. As the first season of the Netflix show clocked six years on Saturday, Shefali took to Instagram and expressed her gratitude. "6 YEARS, 2 SEASONS and 1 MADAM SIR! Couldn't be more grateful. #DelhiCrime," she captioned the post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shefali Shah (@shefalishahofficial) The first season, based on the 2012 Delhi gang rape case, showcased the tireless work of the police in bringing justice to the victims. It was the first Indian web series to win an International Emmy Award. Season two, released in 2022, tackled another challenging case, shedding light on the struggles of law enforcement beyond just solving crimes. For Shefali, Delhi Crime has been more than just a role--it has been a journey. The show brought her immense critical acclaim, awards, and global recognition. She is now gearing up for the release of the third season. The release date of the upcoming season has not been disclosed yet. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 March,2025 10:58 AM IST | Mumbai | ANI
Parul Gulati on shedding her glamorous image to play a dacoit in Donali
From glam doll to Chambal queen, Parul Gulati takes a 360-degree turn from her usual onscreen roles for the upcoming series, Donali, helmed by E Niwas. The actor steps into the rugged world of Chambal’s dacoits for the Divyenndu and Barun Sobti-starrer. In the first look of the character, Gulati appears as an unpolished, fierce outlaw, wielding a desi katta. “Playing a dacoit in Donali has been one of the most thrilling experiences of my career. This character is raw, gritty, and unapologetic—very different from anything I’ve done before. The look itself speaks volumes; it’s stripped down, real, and full of intensity,” shares Gulati, adding that she not only tried to look the part but also embodied the character’s traits. She claims the entire process was both challenging and exhilarating. Barun Sobti To get under the skin of the character, Gulati had to “unlearn a lot.” “[I changed] my body language, posture, and the way I speak. These women carry the weight of survival on their shoulders. That had to come through in every scene. I spent weeks training to handle weapons and ride horses. The idea was to embody the fearlessness of someone who has lived and fought in the badlands of Chambal.”
23 March,2025 07:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar Basu
Prosenjit Chatterjee: ‘Necessary for Bengali industry to find national access’
Strangely, it took a Bollywood filmmaker to bring two of Bengal’s superstars, Prosenjit Chatterjee and Jeet, together on screen. The duo headlines creator Neeraj Pandey’s Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, which explores the underbelly of the state’s political landscape of the 2000s. “For years, Bengal has had stories that deserved to be told on a national platform. Khakee: The Bengal Chapter finally does that,” says Prosenjit, as we sit down for a chat in a five-star suite overlooking Kolkata’s iconic Victoria Memorial. Helmed by Tushar Kanti Ray and Debatma Mandal, the Netflix series boasts an ensemble cast that includes Saswata Chatterjee, Chitrangda Singh, Parambrata Chatterjee and Ritwik Bhowmik. For Prosenjit, the series is a means to introduce the entire country to the Bengali film industry’s talent. “A show like this offers a massive opportunity not just for actors, but also for the entire industry. The storytelling is different, the characterisations are unique, yet everything is deeply rooted in Bengal. This is a huge exposure for our talent on a national stage. People often categorise projects as ‘mainstream’. I personally don’t believe in those rigid definitions, but if you consider this a mainstream venture, then yes, it was necessary for Bengal’s actors and storytellers to find national access,” states Prosenjit. While the senior actor has fronted acclaimed Hindi OTT shows like Scoop (2023) and Jubilee (2023), this marks Jeet’s Hindi debut. What took him so long to cross over? Jeet as IPS officer Arjun Maitra I have always [maintained] that if there is good content, be it in any space or platform, if it gives me a kick, I’ll do it,” Jeet smiles. Bollywood actors often struggle to make the OTT leap, but Jeet harbours no such notion. To him, experimenting in different languages and platforms is a way to expand his horizons. “I don’t want to think about success or failure. I don’t have any tension on a Friday. If you talk about success and failure in the larger context of life, our work is a small part of our life. Somebody sitting on crores of money can feel successful, while somebody sitting with their family can feel successful. Success does not mean wealth or what you do. For me, success is laughing with my family, spending a great time with them, without thinking much about the present, past or future.” In Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, the second instalment after Khakee: The Bihar Chapter (2022), Prosenjit plays politician Sushendu Babu, who, he mentions, cannot be bracketed as black or white. “I find it thrilling to explore a character’s psyche. It depends on the story or the character how long they stay with you. This one stayed with me. Similarly, when I played Subhas Chandra Bose [in Gumnaami, 2019], it took six to eight months to emerge out of it. As an actor, you internalise so much of the person you’re playing,” he reflects. Jeet, who steps into the role of no-nonsense IPS officer Arjun Maitra, says it was different from his previous action roles. “This character’s complexity, his moral dilemmas and risks made it a treat for me,” he says. The union of Prosenjit and Jeet is a highlight of the series. While Jeet had previously produced Aay Khuku Aay (2022), which starred Prosenjit, the two actors have never shared screen space before. While Jeet admits it will be “exciting for the audience to see us together for the first time”, the two actors want Khakee: The Bengal Chapter to set a precedent. “We hope this opens doors for more stories from Bengal to be told on this scale because there are stories in every nook and corner waiting to be tapped,” says Prosenjit. Or there will be a follow-up to this season, we suggest. Dada can act, too! A show set in Bengal is incomplete without a mention of its beloved Dada. Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly featured in a hilarious promo, which sees him hoping to play a Bengali cop in the series. Depicting politics The series spotlights the sensitive subject of Bengal’s political history. Some actors avoid political stories, but Prosenjit says he had no inhibitions, thanks to the creator’s nuanced approach. “We aren’t presenting crime and politics as black and white; we’re showcasing a layered narrative. That’s what makes Neeraj Pandey’s storytelling so powerful. The characters have an arc, there are back-stories to why they are the way they are,” says the actor.
21 March,2025 07:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar Basu
Chandan Roy Sanyal on hoping to take the story of Aashram forward
Bobby Deol and Chandan Roy Sanyal have gone from being tight friends to arch rivals, not in real life but as their characters—Nirala Baba and Bhopa Swami, respectively—in Prakash Jha’s series Aashram. While Deol’s character has ended with the recently released second part of the third season, Sanyal says that the story may take his character forward if there is another instalment. When he read the script, Sanyal found it interesting but never expected it to grow so much. He shares, “The last season has become the best [edition] for the people. [Initially], I was not sure that the show would become what it has become today; it has a cult following. I knew that it was a great story and script, and it was being directed by Prakash Jha and had Bobby Deol.” With season three catching the attention of the audience, Sanyal is itching to see how his character progresses. (From left) Chandan Roy Sanyal and Bobby Deol in Aashram There has been ample chatter about his character taking over the throne of the self-appointed godman. He hopes the writers will add interesting twists to the role. “It depends on the writer. I am also in the dark right now. I am sure the writers will create more magic as this season has ended on quite a high,” says the actor. Directorial debut After directing plays, Chandan Roy Sanyal has now ventured into filmmaking. He shares, “I have directed two feature films, both of which are in post-production. One is called Suzie Q; it is a psychological thriller. It is about a woman who can see ghosts and demons of the past. The other film is a musical called The Playback Singer. Set in 1990’s Bihar, the film is about a woman aspiring to be a playback singer.”
18 March,2025 07:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Komal RJ Panchal